Itchy Skin

by Dee
(Farmington, MI)

Skin Changes Associated with Itchy Skin

My adolescent son of 12 has been complaining of itchy skin. He regularly gets scratching sensation. This irresistible desire to itch arises from within, like from head, stomach or back. Sometimes it gets very intense. He feels very uncomfortable.

I have taken him to our local doctor, but his advice has not helped. Does anyone know what could be causing this? Has anyone heard anything like this before?

The Expert, Ren Chats Answers

Since you have already been to your doctor with no obvious benefit, I will not start with the common skin infections that are associated with itchy skin.

Characteristics of problematic pruritus:

Itch, called Pruritus in Latin, is described as sudden recurrent desire to scratch. These paroxysms are severe enough to awaken the patient from sleep, and they often stop as unexpectedly as they start. Most commonly, itching is provoked by emotional triggers, or by slight sensory provocation of skin such as by light touch. Therefore, severe scratching sensation often starts as the child begins to change into night clothes and goes to lie in bed. High temperature of the room and bed are likely to further aggravate pruritus. In addition, chemical, mechanical, and electrical stimuli can also set in uncontrollable itching episode.

Neurologic cause of itchy skin:

A large group of neuro enzymes are found to cause itchy skin, but no single one is yet attributed to this exasperating symptom. Neurologically speaking, itch is very similar to pain, but they give rise to very different involuntary response. Pain makes the person retract from the offending stimulus. Itchy skin brings about an unpleasant feeling of something irritating the skin, and so the affected individual vigorously tries to scratch off the irritant. The pleasure of scratching is so much that it makes the person ignore the skin excoriations they incur. And most are unable to stop short of inflicting such self-injury. The intensity and duration of itching vary from one disease to another.

Diseases associated with itchy skin:

The diseases in which pruritus is a prominent feature can be broadly divided into five groups.

1. Primarily diseases of the skin, dry skin or stretched skin due to rapid weight gain.

2. Secondary to systemic sickness like that of liver, kidney, hormonal, variety of blood disorders and so on

5. Psychogenic itch: Emotional deprivation, stress, loneliness, anxiety, anger, depression, fear of insect bite, or general lacunae in fulfilment of social needs. Skin changes associated with scratching due to disturbed mental state (see the picture given above) are usually located in easy reach of patient’s hand, like face, arms, legs, abdomen, thighs, upper back, and shoulder. Effects of vigorous scratching are seen at different stages, from skin erosions and ulcers to thick, darkened nodules and colourless atrophic scars.

What to do?

In relation to treatment, every underlying disease has its specific treatment, but I am sure your doctor must have ruled out the diseases I have listed above. In my opinion from the information you have provided, your son is suffering from emotional imbalance.

7. Several type of medicated skin creams are available for topical use, but are best when prescribed after having fully examined the patient. So please consult your local doctor.

8. Under medical supervision Phototherapy with ultraviolet light is prescribed if indicated.

9. Anti-allergic medications under medical supervision

10. Resolve conflicts. If your doctor has ruled out all medical causes, please do not hesitate consulting a psychiatrist to help him resolve disturbing issues.

Hope this helps! Have any more dilemma?On the same subject? Post them as comments on this page. You could even add information as comments-Keep the discussion going. On a new topic? Post them at Ask Doc or at Newborn Care Forum: Both are Free.With Best Wishes.